Simply Ballroom comes to Eastern Utah

By MICHAEL OVERSONSun Advocate reporter

Southern Utah University Ballroom Dance Company was crowned the winner after they competed three months ago in Columbus, Ohio at the Columbus Convention Center as one of the top 50 university ballroom dance programs in the nation. The 23rd annual U.S. National Collegiate Ballroom Dance Championships was attended by record number crowds. Some of the recognizable participants were; Arizona State, BYU-I, Claremont, Georgetown, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, NYU, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, and many more according to a press release from SUU.

Amongst these numerous and outstanding university, SUU won both the Latin American Dance and Standard Ballroom Dance categories. They entered just one dance in each category. In the Latin Division they danced to a montage of popular Michael Jackson music that featured such dances as the Cuban Cha Cha, Brazilian Samba, African Rhumba, Spanish Paso Doble and the American Jive, all combined into a six minute competitive formation routine. This high intensity routine had the audience clapping to the music, cheering at the formation highlights and ended with the only standing ovation of the championships the press release continues.

Audiences will be treated to breath-taking lifts, beautiful costumes, and a variety of ballroom dances including the exciting Latin Samba of Brazil, the majestic Slow Waltz of Austria, the rhythmical Cha Cha from Cuba, the intense Spanish Paso Doble, and many more. Dimply Ballroom will also feature both Latin and Standard Ballroom competition that won SUU the current United States Collegiate Championship.

SUU has toured throughout the United States, Europe, Canada and Latin America receiving numerous accolades for their performances, under the direction of multiple award-winning ballroom dance director Mark Baker. The ballroom dance company is the premier performing group of Southern Utah University. The company maintains a touring program that typically reaches more than 75 cities across the United States and internationally. With more than 100 performances each year, this professional-level ensemble delights, entertains, and uplifts thousands worldwide.

They are coming to the College of Eastern Utah to perform their winning dances at the Geary Theatre on CEU's campus. Friday Feb 26 at 7:30 they will perform their award-winning showcase Simply Ballroom. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Associated Foods Fresh Market located at 760 Price River Drive or online at showclix.com. Tickets will start being sold one hour before the show starts at the Geary Theatre box office. For more information about Simply Ballroom please call 435-865-8375 or visit www.suu.edu/pva/arts/ballroom/